New Mexico Books

Written By David M. Johnson (professor emeritus of English and creative writing, University of New Mexico) Rebirth of Wonder: Poems of Wonder is an anthology of prose and poetry drawn from Johnson's life experiences in adventures across the world, from Minnesota to Mexico, Spain, and Greece. Each prose segment or free-verse poem is brief, yet at times wryly contemplative of the characteristics of diverse locales, as well as the foibles of human nature. "Epiphany": There's not a day / I'm not amazed / by God's excess. // Yesterday / birds filled every branch / of our apple tree. / Today / a young friend / had her womb removed." From the well-meaning hubris of family members to the gentle wonder of nature to the miracle of human birth itself, Rebirth of Wonder strikes a balance between dry humor, contemplative insight, and breathtaking amazement.

In reading this wonderful collection I was reminded of the title of a books of poems by James Kavanaugh, "There Are Men Too Gentle To Live Among Wolves." I suspect David Johnson may be such a man. In a gentle, tolerant, graceful manner he writes of "...our journey on this earth, following dreams, meeting other travelers who have taken to the road in search of themselves." He chronicles his journeys from his Norwegian family home in Minnesota to his life in New Mexico and onward to Mexico, Spain, and Greece. He celebrates his "common life" by writing of his family and friends which he see as guideposts"...where the commonplace...is celebrated." His poem Roadkill will give the reader an idea of his humanity and grace and is worth the price of the book. The book chronicles the life experiences of an extraordinary poet-teacher, father, husband, grandfather, and man of tolerance that will resonate with readers long after they put it down...if they can. Destined to be an award winner.

Anyone who has spent time in these mountain communities and has seen his work, knows that Alex Harris has developed the ability to capture it's soul. Unhappily, his photos also represent a way of life that is dying. These villages represent the oldest non-Native communities in the US. For those who may never have the privilege of entering these spare homes, Alex has brought us inside and provided us both soulful and intimate portraits. Thank you Alex.

As a native of Northern New Mexico, I often see all sorts of photo books documenting the touristic attractions to the area. However, Alex Harris' book acurately documents the real life of rural northern New Mexico. The best you could buy!!

Despite statements to the contrary, this book is not out of print. It is still available. Publisher ships within 24 hours.

The majority of this collection is from the Southwest or Mexico but interestingly there are similar pieces from less expected places e.g. Eastern US, central Europe, the Philippines. A significant number of the pieces are pictured. The text mixes technical information about the art pieces with information about how they came into the collection. The art itself ranges from primitive to superb folk art - executed in a variety of media. Among the pieces that catch my attention is a crucifix with an angel at Jesus' side and the retablo of Our Lady of Refuge.

This is an excellent volume for those interested in folk devotional art or Mexican / Southwestern art.

Nash ranks in there with characters like Monte Walsh and Gus MacCrae. The book had a profound effect on me, causing me to review my own past. I'd love to have a hardcover copy of the sequel, "Passage to Quivira." Tks.

A wonderful character study. Beautifully evocative of the southwest at the crossroads of this century. Ignacio Ortiz is a man to be admired. Thank-you, Mr. Zollinger, for bringing him to us

This is a really amazing book. What a wonderful synthesis of knowledge on ancient and modern Maya! Highly reccommended!

Stanzione presents an insightful, respectful, dynamic account of his experiences among these Maya people by combining approaches from religious studies and anthropology. The book is also graced with beautiful and revealing black and white photographs and drawings of the everyday ritual practices in and around Santiago Atitlan. Especially important is Stanzione's reporting of contemporary versions of Maya mythology about the creation of the world, the lives of plants, the sexual relations of deities-all in relation to Christian practices and sacred stories that are important to the Maya. Readers interested in religious change, syncretism and transculturation as well as the ways the Maya suffer and resist state violence and the attacks of missionaries will find this book a very valuable resource.

This book was recommended by a friend who reads mysteries and knew of my "literary habit". I picked it up early one recent weekend and could not put it down. Excellent character development, fine descriptions of Western New Mexico and a very engaging story. I cared about the characters and how the story would end. IF you like regional mysteries from authors like Hillerman and Burke, you have to give Nettleton a try.

Craig Nettleton combines his knowledge of New Mexico, with his background as a clinical psychologist, and his familiarity of with Lebanese/Arabic culture to make this a great weekend read. I would highly recommend this book!

We are so planted in the 21st century and all its accouterments that we forget there was another time, even when some of us lived in it. Dorothy L. Pillsbury transports us back to a simpler time and tells the reader about the Spanish, Indian, and Anglo culture in mid 20th century Santa Fe, New Mexico. Reading the four Adobe series books, in order, is like watching "progress" happen while still hanging on to the old ways. If you have an interest is reasonably contemporary history, the southwest US, divergent cultures, or just want to relax while you read, get all these books and just sit back and enjoy every delightful word. I am so glad I've been able to spend time in Tenario Flat with Dorothy's friends and neighbors.

I have read all four of Dorothy Pillsbury's Adobe books. They are wonderful. You can read each little story individually or just sit down, or lay down, and read until you are transported to the Santa Fe of 1940 New Mexico. Dorothy retired from social work in Southern California and moved to Santa Fe. Each little story makes us at home with the people and town that she learned to love. The Indian and Spanish customs and history of that time that is all but forgotten.

I remember, when i was a child, going to the La Fonda Hotel with my aunt and uncle and we were the only ones there in the patio in the middle of summer. A sleepy little town.

Each of the four of the Pillsbury's Adobe series, including Roots in Adobe, are a continuation of the these stories.

I wish I had had this guidebook when I visited Roswell before. On my next visit I will know what to do besides go to the UFO Museum. Who knew you could ride an antique carousel, attend a live cattle auction, or photograph the hanger where they stored the UFO Crash debris (including the alien bodies)? The section on Nightlife even destroys the myth that there is nothing to do in Roswell after 8 p.m.

The book is well organized, interesting, easy to read, and has a few touches of humor that make it more fun than the usual dry travel guide. I also like the clever alien drawings in the margins. Now I'm ready for my next trip to Roswell!

This is a very useful guidebook for touring Roswell or for learning more about the town where the Roswell Incident took place. It is accurate and up to date. Its website also provides useful travel updates.

The book is arranged by sections of town, making it easy to use as a guide for walking or driving around. Its many maps are helpful but some include too many locations to be read easily.

The whole chapter "On the Trail of the Roswell UFO Crash" has interesting information about the events and locations around town associated with the UFO Crash, as well as information about the UFO Museum, UFO Festival, UFO souvenirs, and even the lyrics to a witty song, "UFO Breakdown." The author doesn't take a position on UFOs but gives a good sample of different stories that have been told about the incident so that a tourist can see how the locations the book describes fit into the overall picture.

Beyond UFOs, the book points out lots of other attractions and activities available to the tourist. It seems to make an effort to identify locations representing Roswell's multicultural roots: Anglo, Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Native American, Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish.

It also points out locations of interesting, if minor, historical events related to Charles Lindbergh, General John Pershing, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, William Jennings Bryant, Will Rogers, Conrad Hilton, and, of course, Elvis.

The nine page index makes locations easy to find. The appendix lists books and DVDs about Roswell--both UFO-related and on topics ranging from Billy the Kid to Marilyn Monroe.

Charming line drawings of aliens are scattered throughout. Don't miss my favorite one that spoofs the town's alien-face lampposts. It's easily overlooked at the very end of the book.

This book works well as a detailed guide for visitors to find their way to major and minor attractions around Roswell. It also creates a sense of the place for armchair travelers who are interested in visualizing the setting of the 1947 events surrounding the UFO crash. I recommend it for both types of visitors.

Don J. Usner's love of Chimayo and it's history comes through loud and clear in this book. Through interviews, historical documents preserved by families of Chimayo, stories of residents, and pictures Don Usner is able to tell the history of this interesting plaza.

I feel that the stories and information in this book serve as an example of each plaza in New Mexico. I believe that many of the plazas and towns are similar to Chimayo. The difference is that Chimayo has preserved it's history through being off the beaten path and not much of a tourist attraction (except for those who are interested in history!)

I was able to hear Mr. Usner talk to a group of teachers about the writing of this book and his other book. He has gone through a lot of trails to publish this book and preserve the history of Chimayo. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Usner.

I would buy more books by this author. He able to take a subject that many authors would make dry and uninteresting and make it come alive. Very good.

Before reading Sabino's Map: Life in Chimayo's Old Plaza (1995), one should first read Benigna's Chimayo: Cuentos From The Old Plaza (2001), both by Don J Usner. Reading the newer book first will allow for a better understanding and appreciation of the older book.

Don is an extraordinary writer who is an 8th generation Chimayoso, even though he was not actually raised full time in Chimayo. He brings to his writing a humanity informed and formed through family, place and the cuentos of his grandmother, Benigna, and others.

This story of the Chimayo Plaza, the oldest Hispanic plaza in the U.S., is the story of Sabino's Map and about the houses and families of the Plaza noted on that map. It is the story of their histories, religions, natural history and the cultural/social history of northern New Mexico over 300 plus years.

The writer is connected in many ways to his topics in these two books and those connections come through loud and clear by way of excellent writing, which is not very common, and careful scholarship. Don has objectivity with both passion for the subjects and compassion for the people, many to whom he is related, sometimes through more than one branch of the family.

In the end one has the cuentos of Benigna, the history of the Plaza, the smells of the chiles and old plaza rooms, the feel of the weavings and the living and loving histories of families.

Did I like these books and will I purchase other books by Don J Usner? You bet.

This is a terrific guide to trail riding in New Mexico. This book gave valuable information on trail riding, camping with your horses and general information about trail riding gear. I would highly recommend this book for anyone visiting or living here in New Mexico.

This is a well written book that all trail riders in new mexico must own. You'll love it. The authors personnally rode every trail in their book and have outlined it beautifully. They wrote this book because no one else had and they noted a need for it.

Donna Ketcheson, Back Country Horseman